James Miller (Jim) McCoy, 71, of Big Lake, Texas passed away on February 24, 2024 at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo, Texas, after a brief illness. He was born to Lucian and Lura Dell (Miller) McCoy on November 5, 1952 at Reagan Memorial Hospital in Big Lake, Texas and attended 1st through 12th grade at Reagan County Schools.
He attended Tarleton State University for 2 years and then transferred to Texas A&M University where he majored in Animal Science. He was a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band and the Corps of Cadets. After graduation from Texas A&M in 1975, Jim returned to Big Lake to work with his father and grandfather in the ranching business, raising sheep and cattle. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was an active member of the local Mason Lodge and Reagan County Trail Blazers.
Jim loved to read and studied history of many subjects. He was a local historian who remembered dates, events, and town details for the city in every aspect. Jim also loved shooting sports of all types and really excelled in clay bird shooting and achieved many awards and honors at the state level. Jim loved watching television — especially western movies and anything from the Golden Age of Hollywood; he was known to cite actors by name and character for most films of that era.
He will be missed by all who knew this kindhearted gentle giant. The Reagan High School class of 1971 will miss the updates and constant care of keeping the class together.
Jim is preceded in death by his father (Lucian), mother (Lura Dell), grandfather (Ernest Price Miller) and grandmother (Edna Benge Miller). He is survived by his McCoy cousins Larry (Kim), Esta Smith (James), Jason (Cindy) and Luke (Deedee) McCoy, Geri (Gary) Anderson and Kathy McCoy (James Andrews). Miller cousins, Barbara Miller Olsen (deceased) (James) Ernest Benge Miller, Jr. (Lana), “adopted family”, Warren and Janet Wilburn, and a host of other extended family and friends.
Viewing was Monday, March 18th at First Baptist Church in Big Lake at 9:30 a.m. Service followed at 10:30 a.m. Interment was at 2:00 p.m. at Fairmont Cemetery in San Angelo, TX.
Pallbearers were Billy Morgette, Kye Lear, C.V. Picket, Mike George, Mark Noland, and Danny Curtis.
Memorials can be made to Reagan County Trailblazers or First Baptist Church Beautifications.
